Handtruck jig

ABSTRACT

A device for supporting a load on a handtruck comprising a pair of leg members, a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members, an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members, a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck. Protrusions preferably are fixed along the transverse bar to aid in gripping the handtruck load. The depending member may be a finger-like member or may be a triangular plate which also aids in aligning the hooked extensions over a crossbar on the handtruck. The leg members may be segmented and the segments connected by adjusting and locking means in order to vary the length of the legs and to fix them at the desired length.

United States Patent Cave 1 Sept. 12, 1972 [54] HANDTRUCK JIG Primary Examiner-Albert J. Makay [72] Inventor ggm g gg l z Shepard Attorney-Delio and Montgomery [22] Filed: Aug. 21, 1970 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 65,854 A device for supporting a load on a handtruck com- Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 23,279, March 27, 1970, abandoned.

US. Cl. ..2l4/383, 280/4728 Int. Cl. ..B62b 1/06 Field of Search ..214/380, 381, 382, 383, 384,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS prising a pair of leg members, a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members, an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members, a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck. Protrusions preferably are fixed along the transverse bar to aid in gripping the handtruck load. The depending member may be a finger-like member or may be a triangular plate which also aids in aligning the hooked extensions over a crossbar on the handtruck. The leg members may be segmented and the segments connected by adjusting and locking means in order to vary the length of the legs and to fix them at the desired length.

8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP 12 m2 SHEEI 2 OF 2 INVENTOR :Ehn T. Cave I-IANDTRUCK JIG application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 23,279 filed Mar. 27, 1970, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to devices for supporting loads on handtrucks commonly employed in moving cartons of various sizes. More particularly, this invention is directed to handtruck braces or jigs which are attachable to handtrucks.

In moving loads by means of handtrucks, the load, such as a large drum or carton, is tilted slightly and the metal platform of the truck is inserted under the load. It is then normal for the operator to extend one arm to pull the top of the load flush to the cradle of the handtruck while at the same time tipping the handles of the handtruck so that the load is lifted and tilted towards the operator and then is supported on the wheels of the handtruck. It should be noted that the operator cannot keep both hands on the handles of the handtruck during the second tilting procedure.

When the load is exceptionally large or heavy, a second operator is normally required to help tilt the load for insertion of the platform of the handtruck and for bracing the load as the handtruck is tilted towards the first operator for transfer of the weight of the load to the wheels of the handtruck.

It should be recognized that in the described procedures very substantial exertion is required on the part of one or both operators in order to brace the load while the handtruck is being tilted towards the operator who is to move the handtruck after loading. If but a single operator is involved, the considerable physical exertion required may result in the pulling of a muscle or even in accident, such as falling over of the load due to loss of grip thereon. If two operators are required, due to the size or weight of the load, necessarily the work potential of a warehouse crew is diminished substantially.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a new, simple and easily constructed device which will normally enable a single operator to tilt a handtruck load and to cradle large or heavy loads without having to extend one arm to brace the load during the tilting motion.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and inexpensive handtruck jig or brace which may be removably hung or hooked on the frame of a handtruck without detracting from the mobility of the handtruck when empty and which is conveniently placed in position for use when a load is to be moved with the handtruck.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved portable attachment for a handtruck which will enable a single operator to transport large or heavy loads safely and without undue physical stress.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will in part be apparent and in partwill be obvious from the description of the new and improved device which follows.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

In summary, the essential construction of the device of the invention is the combination of a pair of approximately parallel leg members, a hooked extension on one end of each of the leg members for supporting the device on a crossbar of a handtruck, an angled extension on the other end of each of the leg members for gripping the edge of a handtruck load, a bar fixed transversely of the ends of the angled extensions, and a depending member mounted on each leg generally adjacent the hooked extensions for cooperating with the hooked extensions in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should behad to the following detailed description and appended drawing of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawmg:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view partly broken away to show the fastening means of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a load on a handtruck, in the upright position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the rela tive positions of handtruck, load, and a device of the invention, all in position for movement of the handtruck.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

With reference to FIG. 1, leg members 13 and 14 are established in approximately parallel spaced-apart relationship by a bar 15 fixed transversely of the leg members, the bar being mounted at each end thereof to angled extensions 16 and 17 of the leg members. Bar 15 functions to overlap and to grip the edge of a load placed on the platform of a handtruck. The other ends of the leg members form hooked extensions 23 and 24. Adjacent the hooked extensions are mounted depending members 21, shown as finger-like projections. FIG. 1 also shows as optional members, a strut 19 mounted transversely of the legs and, as means for aiding the grip of the transverse bar 15 on the edge of a load, protrusions 20. Strut 19 serves as a reinforcing member and may be positioned at any desirable point along the leg members. More than one such strut may be used, if desired. The device may be constructed of any material of strength sufficient to support the intended load but it is preferred to construct the device of 7/16 inch cold rolled steel rod or A; inch flat stock cold rolled steel and to weld the members together with butt welds, electric welds, or other such means. Leg members 13 and 14 preferably are tapered slightly towards each other, the space therebetween being wider at the top (hooked extensions end) than at the bottom (angled extensions end), in order to nest within the leg members of a handtruck. The gripping means 20 as shown are protrusions or points such as spot welds or the like. These serve to bite slightly into the load being moved with the handtruck, thereby promoting the grip of the transverse bar on the load. Rounded protrusions are best where the loads are cardboard cartons but other gripping means, such as metal spikes or points and the like, may be substituted if the load is a wooden crate where slight indentations into the wood do not damage the crated item.

Hooked extensions 23 and 24 cooperate with the depending members 21 to hold the device in position on a crossbar, preferably the top crossbar, of a conventional handtruck, as shown in FIG. 5. Obviously, the extent to which the extensions 23 and 24 are hooked may be varied as desired for convenient attachment to the cross member 53 of a handtruck 50. Similarly, the plane and angle of attachment of the depending members 21 relative to the leg members and hooked extensions may be such as to facilitate loose or tight attachment to the cross bar of the handtruck. Normally, transverse bar will be set at an angle of slightly more than 90 from leg members 13 and 14, as provided by the angled extensions 16 and 17, but this angle may be varied according to the extent of grip required on the load. Obviously, also, transverse bar 15 may be curved to fit the contour of the inside top of a drum, or to fit any other load.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 primarily in that the depending members 21 now comprise plates 27, which preferably are triangularly shaped, the short legs of which (the vertical edge in FIG. 2) provide a function equivalent to that of the depending members 21 of FIG. 1, that is, to cooperate with hooked extensions 23 and 24 for holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck as best shown in FIG. 5. Plates 27 conveniently are welded to the leg members 13 and 14 and are in the same general plane as hooked extensions 23 and 24. Plates 27 also serve the function of guiding or aligning the device onto a crossbar 53 of a handtruck by sliding the device along the depending side of the plates in contact with the frame or crossbars of a handtruck. The device then falls easily and securely into place over the crossbar of the handtruck where it rests until needed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention providing means for adjusting the length of the leg members of the device so as to accommodate handtruck loads of different widths. With reference to FIG. 3 it will be noted that the leg members of the device comprise upper segments 33a and 34a and lower segments 33b and 34b, together with hooked extensions 43 and 44, angled extensions 36 and 37, a bar 35 extending transversely of extensions 36 and 37, and a strut 39 transversely fixed on upper segments 33a and 34a so as to space apart the upper segments slightly outwardly of the lower segments. The depending members 31 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 are similar to depending members 27 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 except that the plates 31 which form the depending members each have a row of apertures 32 to receive a movable pin or bar 30. The pin or bar 30 includes means at the ends thereof to prevent the pin from sliding out of the apertures, such as swivel flaps 38 set in slots 45, and held in said slots by pin 40, as best shown in FIG. 4.

It will be noted in FIG. 3 that apertured plates 41 are mounted on strut 39so as to slidably receive lower leg segments 33b and 34b. Mounted longitudinally toward the ends of lower segments 33b and 34b are apertured plates 42 for receiving locking pin 30. Accordingly, the

adjustably connecting means of the embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises plates 31 having a row of apertures 32, apertured plates 41 mounted on strut 39 to slidably receive lower segments 33b and 34b, apertured plates 42 longitudinally mounted on the ends of the lower leg segments, and the locking pin or bar 30 which extends through the apertures of each of plates 31 and 42 to lock the upper and lower leg segments in a desired position. It will be immediately obvious that a great variety of other adjustably connecting means may be employed in place of the embodiment of FIG. 3 having substantially the same operation and effect.

One such variation on adjusting and connecting means is the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. With reference to FIG. 7, it will be noted that the device is identical to that of FIG. 3 except that a locking pin or bar 47 is fixed transversely of lower segments 33b and 34b (as by welding) in place of the movable bar 30 of FIG. 3, the apertured plates 42 of FIG. 3 are eliminated, and the plates 48 are provided with a series of slots 49, preferably slanted as shown, for receiving locking bar 47. Plates 48 otherwise provide the same function as plates 42 of FIG. 3, that is, they cooperate with hooked extensions 43 and 44 to hold the device on a crossbar of a handtruck. Protrusions 46 are provided on bar 35 for assisting in gripping the edge of a carton. The apertures in plates 41 are sufficiently large to permit movement of segments 33b and 34b therethrough, and for the positioning and locking of bar 47 in slots 49, as shown in FIG. 8.'

The device of FIGS. 7 and 8 has the advantage, along with adjustability and simple construction, that no parts can be removed with the resultant possible misplacement or loss. This embodiment is the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how a device of the invention is employed. With reference to FIG. 5, the platform 54 of a handtruck 50 is inserted under a load such as carton and a device 11 of the invention is placed over the top of the carton such that transverse bar 15 assisted by protrusions 20 grips the outer edge of the carton and hooked extensions 23 and 24 in cooperation with the adjacent depending members hold the other end of the device to crossbar 53 of the handtruck. Then, legs 51 and 52 of the handtruck are tilted towards the operator. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, is the weight of load 60 transferred safely and conveniently to the wheels of the handtruck and the load held securely in the cradle of the handtruck without the operator having to remove a hand from the handles of the handtruck to brace the load as he tilts the load towards him, and without the assistance of a second operator. The embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7, of course, add the element of adjustability of the device to fit cartons, drums, or other loads, of different dimensions.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Whatis claimed is:

l. A device for supporting a load on a handtruck comprising:

a pair of leg members,

a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members,

an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members,

a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and

a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck, said depending member comprising a generally triangular plate.

2. A device according to claim 1 including means on said bar for gripping a handtruck load.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said gripping means comprises protrusions on said bar.

4. A device according to claim 1 including at least one strut mounted transversely of said legs.

5. A device for supporting a load on a handtruck comprising:

a pair of leg members,

a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members,

an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members,

a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and

a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck;

wherein each of said leg members comprises an upper segment and a lower segment, said upper segment terminating at one end in said hooked extension, said lower segment terminating at one end in said angled extension, and including means for adjustably connecting said segments at their ends opposite said extensions, and a strut transversely connecting said upper segments;

said adjustably connecting means including: a depending member fixed longitudinally on said upper segment of each leg member, said depending member being a first plate having a row of apertures extending longitudinally of said leg member section; a second apertured plate mounted longitudinally on each of said lower leg segments; a third apertured plate mounted at each end of said strut to slidably receive said lower leg segment; and a removable pin extending transversely of said leg members through the aperture of each of said first plates and each of said second plates whereby said leg segments are locked in position. 6. A device according to claim 5 wherein said pin includes means at the ends thereof for holding said pins in said apertures.

7. A device for supporting a load on a handtruck comprising:

a pair of leg members,

a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members,

an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members,

a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and

a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on acrossbar of a handtruck;

wherein each of said leg members comprises an upper segment and a lower segment, said upper segment terminating at one end in said hooked extension, said lower segment terminating at one end in said angled extension, and including means for adjustably connecting said segments at their ends opposite said extensions, and a strut transversely connecting said upper segments;

wherein said adjustably connecting means includes: a depending member fixed longitudinally on said upper segment of each leg member, said depending member being a first plate having a row of slots for receiving a bar mounted transversely of said lower segments of said leg members; and another apertured plate mounted at each end of said strut to slidably receive said lower leg segment; whereby said segments are locked in position.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said slots are slanted such that said bar is prevented from slipping out of said slots. 

1. A device for supporting a load on a handtruck comprising: a pair of leg members, a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members, an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members, a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck, said depending member comprising a generally triangular plate.
 2. A device according to claim 1 including means on said bar for gripping a handtruck load.
 3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said gripping means comprises protrusions on said bar.
 4. A device according to claim 1 including at least one strut mounted transversely of said legs.
 5. A device for suppOrting a load on a handtruck comprising: a pair of leg members, a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members, an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members, a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck; wherein each of said leg members comprises an upper segment and a lower segment, said upper segment terminating at one end in said hooked extension, said lower segment terminating at one end in said angled extension, and including means for adjustably connecting said segments at their ends opposite said extensions, and a strut transversely connecting said upper segments; said adjustably connecting means including: a depending member fixed longitudinally on said upper segment of each leg member, said depending member being a first plate having a row of apertures extending longitudinally of said leg member section; a second apertured plate mounted longitudinally on each of said lower leg segments; a third apertured plate mounted at each end of said strut to slidably receive said lower leg segment; and a removable pin extending transversely of said leg members through the aperture of each of said first plates and each of said second plates whereby said leg segments are locked in position.
 6. A device according to claim 5 wherein said pin includes means at the ends thereof for holding said pins in said apertures.
 7. A device for supporting a load on a handtruck comprising: a pair of leg members, a hooked extension on one end of each of said leg members, an angled extension on the other end of each of said leg members, a bar fixed transversely of said angled extensions whereby said leg members are spaced apart in approximately parallel relationship, and a depending member mounted on each leg adjacent said hooked extension for cooperating with said hooked extension in holding the device on a crossbar of a handtruck; wherein each of said leg members comprises an upper segment and a lower segment, said upper segment terminating at one end in said hooked extension, said lower segment terminating at one end in said angled extension, and including means for adjustably connecting said segments at their ends opposite said extensions, and a strut transversely connecting said upper segments; wherein said adjustably connecting means includes: a depending member fixed longitudinally on said upper segment of each leg member, said depending member being a first plate having a row of slots for receiving a bar mounted transversely of said lower segments of said leg members; and another apertured plate mounted at each end of said strut to slidably receive said lower leg segment; whereby said segments are locked in position.
 8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said slots are slanted such that said bar is prevented from slipping out of said slots. 